Viya's POV
I smiled as I took the dishes from his hands. "Thank you, Julian."
Julian's culinary skills had always impressed me. Whenever we visited Professor Elias, Julian would often take over the kitchen duties as the younger generation.
The table was spread with six dishes and a soup, each one a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Sophia had thoughtfully prepared a bottle of red wine, pouring glasses for each of us before raising hers with a bright smile. "Cheers! To Viya's freedom and becoming the best version of herself from now on!"
I've never been good with sentimental moments like this.
It took considerable effort to hold back my tears as I clinked glasses with them. "Yes, to my freedom."
Freedom.
As a child, I'd dreamed of nothing else.
Despite having
